Chaos in Tenerife as seven tourists fined for swimming with whales and dolphins

Seven tourists in Tenerife have been issued a hefty fine as they jumped into the sea to swim with whales and dolphins. The tourists, who had rented a leisure boat, claimed they were unaware of the rules, however, the authorities emphasised that ignorance is no excuse.

The incident occurred in mid-September when a video circulated online showing the group jumping into the sea to swim alongside the animals. Spanish law strictly prohibits such activity under Royal Decree 1727/2007, which aims to safeguard marine mammals from disturbance and harm. The tourists could be asked to pay over £52k (60,000 euros) each for the serious environmental breach in the south of the island.

The nationality of the tourists has not been disclosed.

The incident took place in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a protected zone established to safeguard marine mammals and their natural habitat.

Authorities are treating the matter seriously, with the Civil Guard-specifically the Tax and Border Patrol (PAFIF) based in Playa de Las Américas, a busy tourist resort in Tenerife-moving forward with a formal complaint.

According to the Civil Guard agents, the tourists rented a recreational boat, with which they began the day of navigation until they located the group of cetaceans.

The tourists then decided to jump into the sea to swim with them, in breach of the provisions of Royal Decree 1727/2007, of December 21. The rule expressly prohibits bathing or diving in the cetacean protection area, with the aim of avoiding risks to their conservation.

The seven tourists involved, a group of friends on holiday in Tenerife, said they didn't know about the rules protecting marine life. However, the Civil Guard made it clear that not knowing the law doesn't excuse breaking it.

Authorities are now emphasising the need to follow regulations, especially in the Canary Islands, which are home to one of Europe's largest populations of resident whales and dolphins.